O’Dowd: Any support on heating costs must be meaningful and include oil customers

Date published: 14 March 2026

The Minister said:

“Many households are already under significant financial pressure and the sharp increase in heating oil costs is causing real concern, particularly for families and older people who depend on oil to heat their homes.

“I welcome the Chancellor’s acknowledgement that support is needed. However, that support must be meaningful, timely and delivered in a way which supports oil-fired central heating customers as well as other consumers.

“In the north, a very significant number of households rely on heating oil. Any package which fails to properly recognise that reality will leave many families exposed at a time when they can least afford it.

“I have already written to the Treasury on this matter and will be seeking further clarification on the detail of the support being proposed, including how it will apply to households here.

“It is important that any intervention reflects the particular circumstances of those who are not protected by the energy price cap and who are especially vulnerable to sudden spikes in global oil prices.

“People need certainty that support will be fair, accessible and sufficient to make a real difference.”

Mr O’Dowd said he would continue to press for measures that recognise the high level of dependence on home heating oil and protect households from further cost of living pressures.